Head of Clinical Learning and Development
Head of Clinical Learning and Development
Mō te Tūranga | About the Role
Are you a visionary clinical leader with a passion for developing people, uplifting capability, and driving excellence across healthcare? As our Head of Clinical Learning & Professional Development, you’ll lead the charge in shaping a highly skilled, future-ready clinical workforce across our national hospital network. Reporting to the Chief of Nursing and Quality, you’ll set the strategic direction for professional development, workforce capability, and clinical education innovation. You’ll oversee our Clinical Academy and guide a passionate team responsible for building cutting-edge learning programmes, leadership pathways, recruitment strategies, and capability uplift initiatives that directly influence the quality of care delivered every day. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, digital learning, and advanced clinical skill development, you’ll ensure our people have the tools, confidence, and inspiration to thrive.
In this role, you’ll work at the forefront of workforce strategy—anticipating future capability needs, driving succession planning, and partnering closely with Clinical Practice, People & Culture, and portfolio leaders to embed seamless learning pathways from recruitment through to advanced practice. You’ll oversee national committees, govern our Professional Development Recognition Programme, and champion continuous improvement through data insights and learner feedback. Your leadership will ensure our learning offerings remain innovative, compliant, and aligned with regulatory standards, from NZQA through to professional councils.
Beyond our walls, you’ll elevate our organisation’s impact by building powerful external partnerships, strengthening accreditation pathways, and representing us on national and international stages. You’ll champion scholarship and mentorship programmes that grow emerging leaders, while collaborating with Marketing to position us as a premier provider of clinical education in Aotearoa and beyond. This is a role where strategic influence meets purpose—driving capability, advancing careers, and shaping the future of clinical excellence. This is a full-time permanent position based in our National Support Office in the CBD.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- Over 10 years of high-impact clinical education or senior leadership experience, driving capability and excellence within healthcare.
- A proven track record in designing and delivering standout professional development programmes that lift performance and inspire growth.
- Deep knowledge of NZQA, Nursing Council, and Medical Sciences Council requirements, ensuring learning pathways are robust, accredited, and future-focused.
- A natural partnership builder, confident in creating meaningful national and international collaborations that elevate our learning offerings.
- Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to unite teams behind a bold vision.
- A strategic, future-focused mindset with the confidence to influence and advise at executive level.
- Expertise across clinical education, workforce capability development, and leadership programme design, grounded in evidence-based practice.
- Outstanding communication and collaboration skills, enabling strong relationships across diverse clinical and operational teams.
- Strength in leading complex programmes and delivering impactful outcomes in fast-paced, evolving environments.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification in Nursing, Education, or Health Leadership (Master’s preferred), alongside a current Annual Practising Certificate.
- A visionary approach to Learning & Development, passionate about growing clinical capability and shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you:
- Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration package, relocation allowance, and employee referral bonus scheme.
- Health & Wellbeing: Funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and generous Christmas/New Year breaks.
- Flexibility & Growth: Flexible working arrangements and a Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved PDRP.
- Perks & Community: Discounts from a range of partners and the opportunity to join our Employee Network.
Ko wai matou | Our Organisation
At Southern Cross Healthcare, our values shape everything we do:
- Care First – We lead with compassion, delivering care that’s deeply human through genuine manaakitanga.
- Better Together – Collaboration is our strength. We unite diverse skills and perspectives to create better outcomes for all.
- Pursue Excellence – We strive to improve, innovate, and excel every day—never settling, always aiming to deliver our best.
If you have specific needs or would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@schl.co.nz for a confidential conversation.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
